It’s time to strip away every bit of power-seeking.

In the final sentences of this amazing letter Paul once again turns worldly leadership on its head. We don’t need any more demonstrations of human strength, achievement and control. These have to go. They have to leave the Church and Christian ministries. Here’s what he says:-

“We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority – the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭

Paul rejoices in his weaknesses. We remember what he said in 2 Corinthians 12 v 9 regarding God’s power being made perfect in weakness. So his joy is because his weakness has created the space for God’s power to be manifest in the Corinthian Church. Something the proud and mighty never understand.  

Knowing this Paul also knows the impact of God’s power in their lives, restoration. It’s the heart of every Pastor to see their people not dependent on them but completely whole, mature and dependent on God. 

Being joyful in weakness, creating space for God and seeing Christians fully restored, this is the heart of Paul.

His ministry was not to be the lord and master of people, not to discard people, but to build people up. His was a ministry of construction not demolition. 

The Church today needs leaders who will:-

• Be unafraid of weakness.
• Be vulnerable. 
• Invest in building up other people not themselves.
• Serve rather than be served.

The Church needs deconstructing from every powerful castle that houses its strong power-seeking leaders. Authority climbs down and builds up rather than climbs up and pushes down. 

Leadership is not dominance. It does not throw stones. It does not condemn. It does not speak ill of other people and churches whether vocally or in written form on the many social platforms. The goal isn’t to be needed or to become more powerful. But it is to see others grow to become who God purposed them to be.